Why does the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade run this program?
Cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in international relations, offering unique opportunities to foster mutual understanding and to build relationships. Through cultural diplomacy initiatives, DFAT strengthens Australia's influence, reputation, reach and relationships overseas.
How often are grants rounds announced?
Once a year. The 2025-26 ACDGP round opened on 6 January 2026.
Who is and who isn't eligible to apply?
You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or an Australian organisation.
Further eligibility criteria can be found on pages 6 – 7 of the 2025-26 ACDGP Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Where can I find the assessment criteria?
The five criteria can be found on pages 9 – 10 of the 2025-26 ACDGP Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Where can I find the instructions for applying?
All the instructions for applying can be found on pages 10 – 12 of the Guidelines.
What are the priority sectors and targeted countries or regions?
In 2025-26, favourable consideration will be given to:
- projects delivered in the Pacific
- projects that are multi-country in scope or strengthen regional engagement in support of the objectives
- applications with identified international partners
- applications from First Nations people and organisations
- projects that are delivered outside of Australia.
Projects that do not deliver on these priorities are still encouraged to apply.
What attachments will I need to include in my application?
- two short signed independent references
- letter of support from partners (if relevant)
- curriculum vitae for the applicant(s) and grant activity participants
- an indicative budget (as Excel spreadsheet or Word document with tables)
- a communications plan
- a project management plan (with key dates, milestones and expected outcomes)
- for applications submitted by a University the application should:
- highlight the alignment of the proposed project to the ACDGP and the University's strategic goals in the relevant country
- demonstrate that the project is best funded by the ACDGP and not by the Australia Research Council or an alternative Commonwealth funding body
- include a letter of support from your Research Office or equivalent.
You must attach supporting documentation to the application form in line with the instructions provided within the form. You should only attach requested documents. We will not consider information in attachments that we do not request.
The grants round is now open, when does it close?
The 2025-26 ACDGP opened on Tuesday 6 January 09:00 (AEDT). Applications close on Friday 6 February at 1600 (AEDT).
If the grants round is closed, can I apply for a grant outside of the round?
No, the ACDGP only considers applications received during the advertised grant round period.
When will I know if my application has been successful?
We anticipate advising successful applicants in mid-May 2026.
When can my activity start?
If successful in the ACDGP 2025-26 round, we expect you will be able to begin making your grant activity arrangements before 30 June 2026. You must complete your grant/project period by the end date designated in your grant agreement. Following the grant period, an evaluation period of six months will commence.
My activity does not specifically address the grant round objectives, can I still apply?
The Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program (ACDGP) supports DFAT's Public Diplomacy strategic objectives as set out in section 2.1 of the guidelines.
All potential grants will be considered against the strategic objectives of the program as well as artistic merit and value for money.
How much funding has the Australian Government allocated to the 2025-26 ACDGP round?
A total of $442,000 has been allocated to the 2025-26 ACDGP round.
Can I request more than $60,000 for my grant?
No, applications are capped at a maximum of $60,000.
I have a question, who can I ask?
If you have any questions during the application period, contact the ACDGP Secretariat at cultural.diplomacy@dfat.gov.au.
Everyone is welcome to ask questions, however, no questions will be responded to individually. All answers to questions received will be provided via Addendum and will be published on GrantConnect to provide transparency and adhere to appropriate probity practices.
Questions should be sent no later than 30 January 2026.
Can I request feedback on my application?
Due to the expected high number of applications, feedback will only be provided to short-listed applicants upon request within one month of being advised of the outcome. DFAT will provide written feedback to those applicants within a reasonable timeframe, indicatively three months.